What is a reradiating surface? What simplifications does a reradiating surface offer in the radiation analysis?

Short Answer

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Answer: A reradiating surface is an idealized surface that completely absorbs incident radiation and then re-emits that energy symmetrically. This concept simplifies radiation analysis by assuming conservation of energy, unity emissivity, isotropic angular distribution of emitted radiation, and uniform surface temperature. These assumptions make the calculations involved in radiation analysis more manageable.

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01

Definition of Reradiating Surface

A reradiating surface is an idealized surface that completely absorbs incident radiation and then promptly re-emits that energy in a symmetrical manner. The energy absorbed and emitted by the surface is assumed to achieve a radiative equilibrium, with no net absorption or emission of energy.
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Simplification 1: Conservation of Energy

With a reradiating surface, energy conservation is easily achieved, as the absorbed energy equals the emitted energy. This simplification allows for easier calculations in radiation analysis as the energy balance at the surface does not change over time.
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Simplification 2: Surface Emissivity

In reality, surfaces have different emissivities, which quantify their efficiency in emitting radiation. However, with a reradiating surface, it is considered to possess unity emissivity, i.e., an emissivity value of 1. This assumption again simplifies the calculations in radiation analysis since it disregards variations among different surfaces.
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Simplification 3: Angular Distribution of Emitted Radiation

When considering a reradiating surface, it is assumed that the emitted radiation is uniformly distributed over all angles, leading to a symmetrical and isotropic radiation pattern. This assumption simplifies radiation calculations since the angular components can be factored out, allowing easier computation of radiative transfer between surfaces.
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Simplification 4: Surface Temperature

For a reradiating surface, the temperature of the surface is considered to be uniform. This assumption simplifies the calculations in radiation analysis because it eliminates the need to consider variations in surface temperature, which can otherwise make the calculations more complex. In conclusion, a reradiating surface is an idealized concept that allows for simplifications in radiation analysis. It assumes conservation of energy, unity emissivity, isotropic angular distribution of emitted radiation, and uniform surface temperature, making the calculations involved in radiation analysis more manageable.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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